NL West: Can SF's Peguero “walk” into a closers' job?

San Francisco Giants

San Francisco’s bullpen lacks an obvious candidate for a lockdown closer, but heir apparent Ryan Walker has held the job in the recent past. Walker, however, has also recently lost it prior to Camilo Doval’s trade to the Yankees at the 2025 trade deadline, largely because Walker lost the ability to strike guys out (his 2024 K% of 32% dropped to 22% in 2025). His skills rebounding in July and August leave some hope he can regain his closer-like form, and he does seem like the safest bet to fill the role—for now, at least.

But it’s worth keeping an eye on Joel Peguero. While not a big-time K pitcher, his 52% GB% kept him out of trouble last year. His 4.05 xERA doesn’t suggest his ability to avoid trouble will...

Almost!

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